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BusinessGovernor Unveils Major Power Plant Expansions to Strengthen Houston Power Grid
Governor Greg Abbott announced the activation of 456 megawatts (MW) of new natural gas power generation units at NRG Energy’s TH Wharton Generating Station in Houston. These units, funded by the Texas Energy Fund (TxEF), can supply electricity to over 100,000 homes during peak demand. Abbott emphasized the importance of reliable power for Texas's growing economy. The Public Utility Commission of Texas, which oversees the TxEF, highlighted the project as a direct result of voter support for energy reliability. NRG Energy plans to enhance its capacity further with additional projects, aiming for over 1.5 gigawatts by 2028.
Public SafetyCity of Alamo celebrates fire station renovations
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Alamo celebrated the completion of renovations at the Chief Rolando Espinoza Fire Station No. 2 and the arrival of a new fire engine on Tuesday. The city of Alamo also celebrated the creation of its new Emergency Operations Center. The new addition will bring together city departments and partner agencies
EducationFree Breakfasts and Lunches for Kids Offered This Summer in the Valley
Families in the Texas Valley can access free breakfasts and lunches for children and teenagers this summer thanks to a program initiated by Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas, Inc. The initiative aims to ensure that minors continue to have access to nutritious food during the school break. In Starr County, free meals are offered at two locations: Rio Grande City at Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park, 1473 Stephan Saenz St., with lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and La Grulla at the Community Center, 381 Pvt. Leopoldo Longoria St., with lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The program started on June 1 and will continue until August 7. In Hidalgo County, the Valle Alto Youth Facility provides meals for children and teenagers aged 3 to 18, with breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Hidalgo Youth Center also offers free meals with breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and lunch from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The program is available to all minors aged 3 to 18 at no cost. Organizers emphasize that the goal is to support families during the summer months and ensure that children continue to receive healthy meals while not in school. For more information, interested individuals can call (956) 578-4937, (956) 607-1549, or (956) 929-0504. Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas reported that the program is open to all eligible families and is part of their efforts to promote healthy eating among minors in the region.
CommunityMcAllen Public Library and Workforce Solutions Community Job Fair, June 13th
The McAllen Public Library, in collaboration with Workforce Solutions, will host a Community Job Fair on June 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 4001 N. 23rd St., McAllen, TX. Over 40 employers from various industries will be present, offering job seekers a chance to secure interviews and job offers. Attendees are encouraged to bring updated résumés and dress professionally. Computers will be available for online applications. This event aims to connect residents with local employment opportunities and provide resources for career development. For more details, contact the Library at (956) 681-3060.
NationalColombia: Unusual Attempt to Suspend Gustavo Petro Fails Days Before Elections
BOGOTÁ, Colombia – An unusual attempt to provisionally suspend Colombian President Gustavo Petro caused a stir on Wednesday, just eleven days before the second round of elections in which his successor will be chosen between Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist Iván Cepeda. The decision, a precautionary measure lacking legal grounds, was made by Gloria Arizabaleta, the president of the House of Representatives' Commission on Investigation and Accusation, from the same party as the president, the Historical Pact, due to Petro's alleged participation in the current political campaign to support Cepeda, despite being legally prohibited from doing so. The precautionary measure, which had never been taken in Colombia and aimed to expedite the total suspension of the president, failed after Arizabaleta revoked the decision and filed a new order that must be voted on by all members of the Commission on Investigation and Accusation. "I have not intervened in politics, and I have made that clear," Petro stated at the United Nations Security Council in New York, where he chaired a debate on seeking solutions for peace in the Middle East. The president asserted that the attempt to suspend him is due to "having a different thought" and defended that being president does not strip him of his "fundamental rights," which is understood as a reference to his right to comment on the elections.
CommunityCity of Edinburg’s Second FREE Summer Concert, June 20th
The City of Edinburg is hosting its second free Summer Music Concert on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Edinburg Promenade Amphitheater. Gates will open at 7 p.m., with live music starting at 7:30 p.m. Local bands Buzz Kill and Bullet Train will kick off the evening, performing classic rock and '80s hits. The headliner, Already Gone, is a Houston-based Eagles tribute band known for their authentic renditions of popular songs like 'Hotel California' and 'Desperado.' Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy food from local vendors. Admission is free.
HealthFather, son share successful kidney transplant story at DHR Health
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The DHR Health Transplant Institute held an event on Tuesday highlighting the story of a successful kidney transplant between a father and son. After facing kidney disease and challenges waiting for a transplant, Luis F. Gonzalez received a kidney transplant from his son, Ivan Gonzalez. Ivan said it took him less
BusinessPharr EDC Launches Trade & Tech Initiative with “Restro Tech” Roundtable, June 22nd
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (Pharr EDC) is hosting a Trade & Tech Roundtable on June 22nd at the Pharr Global Business Hub. In collaboration with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center and Resto Tech, the event aims to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on the restaurant industry. Industry leaders will share insights on innovation and automation, highlighting Dairy Queen's success story in Pharr. The initiative seeks to connect businesses with resources and experts to enhance efficiency and profitability in a digital marketplace. Registration is encouraged for this informative session.
BusinessInflation heats up as Valley gas prices rise again
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As inflation rises to its highest level in three years, the Rio Grande Valley is seeing prices at the pump jump sharply. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released on Wednesday shows the Consumer Price Index (CPI) jumped 4.2% in May compared to last year. That is the highest
SportsHow to Watch Mexico and South Africa in the 2026 World Cup on Telemundo
The soccer excitement begins with the match between Mexico and South Africa in the FIFA World Cup 2026 this Thursday, June 11. The Mexico City Stadium will host the teams from Group A as they kick off the battle for the 2026 World Cup trophy. You can watch the match at 3 PM ET / 2 PM CT on Telemundo and Peacock. Remember that Telemundo will bring you most of the 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup live and in Spanish.
PoliticsAbbott Orders PUC and ERCOT to Protect Consumers from Data Center Power Costs
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to implement measures that protect residential customers from the financial impact of data center expansions. In his directive, Abbott emphasized that data centers should not only minimize costs for residential electricity users but also conserve water resources. He mandated that data centers cover the costs of necessary electric infrastructure and urged the PUC and ERCOT to propose further protective actions by July 2026. Additionally, Abbott plans to collaborate with the Legislature to establish regulations ensuring data centers enhance Texas' electric capacity responsibly.
NationalTrump Promises Total U.S. Support if Right-Wing Candidate Wins in Colombia
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump promised on Wednesday that Colombia will have "the full support and strength" of the United States if far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella wins the presidential runoff. Trump, who announced his electoral support for De la Espriella last week, emphasized in a message on his Truth Social platform that the Colombian candidate has his "total and unconditional backing" heading into the second round on June 21. "The results of these elections are crucial for the future of Colombia and its relationship with the United States, which, if Abelardo wins, will have the full support and strength of the United States thanks to his competence and love for his country," the Republican wrote.
HealthPrivate Water Well Screenings Set for June in South Texas
The Texas Well Owner Network will conduct private water well screenings in South Texas from June 22-30. Residents in Robstown, Sinton, and Refugio will pay $15 per sample, while others can test for free. The screenings will check for contaminants like E. coli and arsenic. Sample drop-off locations include Robstown, Falfurrias, Kingsville, and more, with specific times for each area. Results meetings are scheduled for June 25 in various locations, including Robstown and Sinton, and a virtual meeting for Zapata and Rio Grande City on June 30. For details, contact Joel Pigg at Texas A&M AgriLife.
EducationValley students get hands-on experience at TSC summer camp
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Middle and high school students from across the Rio Grande Valley gathered in Brownsville on Tuesday for a Regional P-Tech Expansion Summer Camp. Over 100 students from about 13 Valley school districts had an opportunity to explore TSC's programs. Through hands-on activities, students gained a better understanding of the career path
Public SafetyEdinburg man charged with cockfighting
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office raided a cockfight near Monte Alto last week. At 2:29 p.m. on June 1, the Texas Department of Public Safety contacted the Sheriff’s Office about suspicious activity near the intersection of Nittler Road and Jesus Flores Road northwest of Monte Alto. Troopers said a Department of
Public Safety40 Years in Prison for Texas Duo Behind Illegal Pyramid Scheme
LaShonda and Marlon Moore, a couple from Frisco, Texas, have been sentenced to 40 years in prison each for running an illegal pyramid scheme called 'Blessings in No Time' (BINT). Convicted on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering, they defrauded over 10,000 victims during the COVID-19 pandemic, amassing losses exceeding $30 million. The Moores falsely promised participants 800% returns on their investments of $1,400, exploiting trust within the African American community. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Secret Service, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, highlighting the severe consequences of such fraudulent schemes.
WeatherTropics may bring next round of rains
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The National Hurricane Center on Wednesday morning indicated a 10% chance of tropical development in the Bay of Campeche or the Gulf in the next seven days. This would be from the remnants of Tropical Storm Cristina after crossing over Mexico from the Pacific Ocean. The likelihood of any storm development
Sports2026 World Cup: The Biggest and Most Uncertain Tournament in History Kicks Off
From a strictly sporting perspective, the 2026 World Cup has all the ingredients to captivate from start to finish during six weeks of action in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Telemundo is the Home of the World Cup. Here is Lionel Messi for his final grand act, almost certainly his last farewell on a stage of this magnitude, with an Argentina that aims to be the first team to defend the title since 1962. Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived to conquer the only major trophy that has eluded him in a career full of records with Portugal. Brazil boasts its five titles, but the last one dates back to 2002. They will try to end the drought under the leadership of Italian Carlo Ancelotti, who seeks to be the first foreign coach in World Cup history to lead a team to victory.
NationalEl Salvador Opens the World’s Largest Aircraft Maintenance Center
On April 16, 2026, President Nayib Bukele inaugurated Hangar 7 in San Luis Talpa, El Salvador, marking AEROMAN as the world's largest aircraft maintenance center at a single location. This expansion enhances El Salvador's status as a global aviation hub and is expected to drive investment and job creation in the aerospace sector. The project, completed in 15 months, was delivered on time and within budget. Bukele emphasized the significance of this development for the country's economy and invited both national and international companies to invest in El Salvador, highlighting political stability and legal certainty as key factors for business growth.
NationalU.S. Begins Revoking Visas for Tourists Who Come to Have Babies
HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of State has started revoking visas for individuals who have come to the country on tourist visas to give birth. This was announced on Wednesday, June 10, as the Department revealed it has launched an offensive against individuals and international networks involved in what is known as 'birth tourism,' a practice where foreign nationals seek to enter the U.S. on visitor visas primarily to give birth so their children can obtain U.S. citizenship. According to the federal agency, a U.S. embassy in West Africa detected a sophisticated network of over 100 foreigners who allegedly used fraudulent documents and 'visa facilitators' to obtain travel permits.